Hey Guys,

Rather than sitting here wondering I thought I'd jump right in and ask the pro's. I have been zoning for 5 months now and Crossfitting for 10, I also teach 5 year olds-so I am pretty active during working hours.I have lost 39 pounds,and my body fat has gone from 30 to 18 percent!! My cholesterol has gone from 7.6 to 4.5. YAY!!! But people around me are commenting that I have lost too much weight and I really want to level out now and add some lean body mass. I am a 66,5 inch tall,40 yr old female. My crossfit instructors (whose guidance and motivation have made all of this possible) have recommended that I move up from 11 to 13 blocks ie 2 extra snacks. Will this do the trick or will I start picking up unwanted body fat again? Thanks!!

Natalie

Congrats on your progress Natalie!

Always base your protein requirement (your block requirement) for the Zone diet on your current LBM and activity level. Additional snacks (additional blocks) beyond that amount are not the way to go because your body doesn't require the additional protein and carb.

Barry Sears advises to maintain your optimal body fat % with the Zone diet as as follows. When you dip below your ideal body fat % add extra monounsaturated fat to your meals and snacks to gain back/maintain ideal body fat. If you regain too much body fat, cut back to the usual amount of dietary monounsaturated fat for Zone balance until you lose back to ideal. You can keep maintain in this manner for a lifetime. It's been working great for me!

Hey Sue

Thanks so much for your speedy reply. I am going to take your advice, drop back to 11 blocks and add extra fat blocks slowly. Your stats are amazing, you are a real inspiration!! Thanks again.

Natalie

Thanks Natalie! Keep us updated!

Natalie, Congratulations on meeting your goal!!!!! Happy Zoning in maintenance mode!

Jana, nice photo! Glad you figured it out!

Thanks Sue! Turns out I needed to install one more software to make it work...new computers!!!

huh, interesting...